Hodgson backs Mancini over Tevez saga

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has little doubt that Roberto Mancini will be able to effectively deal with the Carlos Tevez saga at Manchester City.

The Argentina international refused to come off the bench during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday and has since been suspended but, according to the Baggies boss, if anyone can deal with the restless star, it’s the Italian.

“I’m sure at all levels of football at all times, these sort of situations have come up and if anyone if capable of dealing with it, it will be Roberto,” Hodgson told reporters.

“He’s worked in Italy and he knows the Italian mentality and this type of problem, if we call it that, has reared its head many a time in Italy.”

“I’m sure he knows how to deal with it.”

Hodgson boss believes professionals should do as a professional does and ultimately is thankful he’s not had similar issues yet at Albion.

“It is not the best time to say too much but you bring players into your squad to play for you,” the well-travelled Englishman said.

“The manager has to make decisions about who does and doesn’t play, and the club is entitled to expect anyone not chosen by the manager, if called upon, is ready to play when and if asked.”

“The situation is black and white. There is not much shade of grey.”

“But it is a Man City problem.”

“I’m just happy to be working with modern day players personally and happy those problems haven’t reared their head for me here.”